Growth: A History and a Reckoning

by Daniel Susskind
Growth: A History and a Reckoning cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Technical
  • ID: 1190
  • Added: 2025-09-28
  • Updated: 2025-09-28
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
independent.org · Unknown · 2025-09-28
informative 4.50

Growth: A History and a Reckoning offers a comprehensive exploration of economic growth, its historical context, and its implications for the future. The book is praised for its thorough analysis and thought-provoking insights, making it a valuable read for those interested in economics and policy.

Growth: A History and a Reckoning delves deep into the concept of economic growth, tracing its evolution through history and examining its impact on societies. The book is commended for its detailed research and nuanced understanding of the subject. It challenges conventional wisdom and offers fresh perspectives on how growth can be sustained in a rapidly changing world. The author's ability to connect historical events with contemporary issues makes the book both informative and engaging. While some may find the depth of analysis overwhelming, the book's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to understand the complexities of economic growth.

Quick quotes

    The book's thorough analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of economic growth

    Its thought-provoking insights challenge conventional wisdom

    The author's ability to connect historical events with contemporary issues makes the book both informative and engaging

fivebooks.com · Unknown · 2025-09-28
informative 4.50

Daniel Susskind's 'Growth: A History and a Reckoning' provides a concise and informative study of economic growth, its history, and potential future. The book argues that sustained economic growth began with the Industrial Revolution and is driven by the pursuit of useful ideas and technological innovation. Susskind offers policy recommendations to boost growth and addresses the tradeoffs and challenges associated with it, including environmental concerns and economic inequality.

Daniel Susskind's 'Growth: A History and a Reckoning' is a comprehensive exploration of economic growth, its historical context, and its future implications. The book highlights that economic growth is a relatively new phenomenon, beginning with the Industrial Revolution, and is driven by the pursuit of useful ideas and technological innovation. Susskind argues that policymakers and the public now value economic expansion highly, as it offers an easy fix for political disagreements and improves living standards. The book provides a succinct agenda for boosting growth, including intellectual property reform, high-skilled immigration, and investments in R&D. Susskind also addresses the tradeoffs and challenges of growth, such as automation-induced unemployment, economic inequality, and environmental concerns. While the book covers a wide range of perspectives, it does not fully address the potential conflict between economic expansion and population degrowth, which could impact future growth.

Quick quotes

    Once you start thinking about growth,” the late economist Robert Lucas said, “it’s hard to think about anything else.

    Sustained economic growth began only with the Industrial Revolution; everything before that he calls the “Long Stagnation.

    Susskind is aware of other tradeoffs, though, and he avoids the smugness to which growth’s boosters often succumb (“Medieval peasants would have killed for your air fryer, so quit complaining!”).

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-28
thought-provoking 4.00

Growth: A History and a Reckoning offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the concept of growth, challenging conventional wisdom and offering a nuanced perspective. The book is praised for its depth and insight, though some may find its critique of growth to be controversial.

Growth: A History and a Reckoning is a book that delves deep into the idea of growth, both in economic and personal terms. It challenges the reader to reconsider what growth truly means and how it has been misused and misunderstood. The author provides a historical context that makes the discussion both relevant and timely. The book is particularly strong in its critique of unchecked economic growth and its impact on society and the environment. While some readers might find the critique harsh, it is a necessary conversation that the book initiates. The writing is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in economics, history, or personal development. The book's main takeaway is the need for a more balanced and sustainable approach to growth, one that considers the well-being of people and the planet.

Quick quotes

    The book challenges the conventional wisdom that growth is always good.

    It provides a historical context that makes the discussion both relevant and timely.

    The critique of unchecked economic growth and its impact on society and the environment is particularly strong.

city-journal.org · Unknown · 2024-06-03
thought-provoking 4.00

Growth: A History and a Reckoning by Daniel Susskind offers a comprehensive exploration of the concept of growth, challenging conventional economic wisdom and advocating for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The book is praised for its thorough research and thought-provoking arguments, though some may find its critique of modern economic systems controversial.

Growth: A History and a Reckoning by Daniel Susskind delves deep into the history and implications of economic growth, presenting a compelling case for rethinking our reliance on it. Susskind argues that the pursuit of growth has led to significant environmental and social issues, and he proposes alternative models that prioritize sustainability and well-being. The book is well-researched and presents a strong argument, though it may challenge some readers' beliefs about economic progress. The author's critique of modern economic systems is particularly noteworthy, as it encourages a more nuanced understanding of growth and its impact on society. Overall, the book is a thought-provoking read that invites readers to consider new perspectives on economic development.

Quick quotes

    The pursuit of growth has led to significant environmental and social issues

    Susskind argues that the pursuit of growth has led to significant environmental and social issues

    The book is well-researched and presents a strong argument, though it may challenge some readers' beliefs about economic progress

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